Fabricio Coloccini has been named the new club captain at Newcastle, taking over from Kevin Nolan.
Argentine defender handed armband by Pardew
Fabricio Coloccini has been named the new club captain at Newcastle United, taking over from Kevin Nolan.
The Magpies armband came up for grabs this summer when Nolan opted to make a move to Championship outfit West Ham United.
Manager Alan Pardew has taken his time to weigh up his options, with it important to find the right man for the job.
He has decided that Argentine defender Coloccini fits the bill and he will skipper the side from next season.
Following his appointment, Coloccini told the club's
official website: "I am thrilled to be named captain of Newcastle United. It is one of the proudest moments of my career.
"Leading the team out in front of our supporters in our first game against Arsenal will be a great honour for me and I aim to give my best for the team and the supporters throughout the season.
"I would also like to thank Alan Pardew for putting his faith in me. It means so much to me."
Transformation
The announcement completes a remarkable transformation for the South American, who arrived on Tyneside in a £10.3million switch from Deportivo la Coruna in August 2008 during Kevin Keegan's ill-fated second spell in charge at St James' Park.
Coloccini endured an immensely difficult first season in English football which ended with relegation out of the Premier League.
However, he rebuilt his reputation in the Championship to the extent that he established himself as a firm favourite with the fans, and a fine first campaign back in the top flight cemented his status as one of the club's more dependable performers.
Coloccini was one of a handful of candidates for the armband considered by Pardew following Nolan's sale to West Ham with keeper Steve Harper, defender Steven Taylor and midfielder Joey Barton among those touted as possible replacements.
The manager said: "I had no hesitation in choosing Fabricio to be my captain next season.
"He will lead the team in a different manner to Kevin, but his professionalism, attitude, application and fantastic character made him the stand-out candidate and, in my mind, the 100 per cent right decision."
